Portable patient interface system

ABSTRACT

A portable patient interface system includes a frame, a cushion coupled to a first side of the frame, a collapsible faceplate coupled to a second side of the frame opposite the first side, and a longitudinally collapsible hose structured to be in fluid communication with the collapsible faceplate and the cushion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/813,980, filed Feb. 4, 2013, which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C.§371 of International Application No. PCT/IB2011/053122 filed on Jul.13, 2011, which claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/371,874 filed on Aug. 9, 2010, thecontents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to non-invasive ventilation and pressuresupport systems, and in particular to a portable patient interfacesystem that may be used with non-invasive ventilation and pressuresupport systems.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are numerous situations where it is necessary or desirable todeliver a flow of breathing gas non-invasively to the airway of apatient, i.e., without intubating the patient or surgically inserting atracheal tube in their esophagus. For example, it is known to ventilatea patient using a technique known as non-invasive ventilation. It isalso known to deliver positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy to treatcertain medical disorders, the most notable of which is obstructivesleep apnea (OSA). Known PAP therapies include continuous positiveairway pressure (CPAP), wherein a constant positive pressure is providedto the airway of the patient in order to splint open the patient'sairway, and variable airway pressure, wherein the pressure provided tothe airway of the patient is varied with the patient's respiratorycycle. Such therapies are typically provided to the patient at nightwhile the patient is sleeping.

Non-invasive ventilation and pressure support therapies as justdescribed involve the placement of a patient interface device includinga mask component having a soft, flexible cushion on the face of apatient. The mask component may be, without limitation, a nasal maskthat covers the patient's nose, a nasal cushion having nasal prongs thatare received within the patient's nares, a nasal/oral mask that coversthe nose and mouth, or a full face mask that covers the patient's face.Such patient interface devices may also employ other patient contactingcomponents, such as forehead supports, cheek pads and chin pads. Thepatient interface device is connected to a gas delivery hose andinterfaces the ventilator or pressure support device with the airway ofthe patient, so that a flow of breathing gas can be delivered from thepressure/flow generating device to the airway of the patient. It isknown to maintain such devices on the face of a wearer by a headgearhaving one or more straps adapted to fit over/around the patient's head.

Patients suffering from OSA or similar disorders require ongoingtreatment (e.g., CPAP treatment) to maintain a healthful routine. Thus,for patients that travel frequently and are away from home for longperiods, the portability of the mask and gas delivery hose is vital fortherapy compliance This is especially true for those patients thatfrequently travel by air, as tightened airport security and restrictionsin luggage allowance (both carry-on and checked) are making it moredifficult to travel with pressure support therapy equipment. While thesize of the pressure generating machine portion of such equipment (e.g.,the CPAP machine) has reduced significantly in recent years, the sizemask and the hose portions have not. In addition, it is often not justthe size of the mask and hose that matter; the lack of effectivepackaging for the equipment is also a factor. Furthermore, a 6-foot longgas delivery hose is standard for many treatment systems and such a hoseis particularly cumbersome when it comes to packing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide aportable patient interface system that overcomes the shortcomings ofconventional patient interface systems. This object is achievedaccording to one embodiment of the present invention by providing aportable patient interface system that includes a frame, a cushioncoupled to a first side of the frame, a collapsible faceplate coupled toa second side of the frame opposite the first side, and a longitudinallycollapsible hose structured to be in fluid communication with thecollapsible faceplate and the cushion.

In another embodiment, a hose assembly for a patient interface device isprovided that includes a longitudinally collapsible hose, a first tubeportion coupled to the longitudinally collapsible hose, and a secondtube portion coupled to the longitudinally collapsible hose, wherein thefirst tube portion and the second tube portion are selectivelyconnectable to one another, and wherein the longitudinally collapsiblehose, when collapsed, is structured to be held within the first tubeportion and the second tube portion. The hose assembly may be offeredand provided to a patient separately from any particular patientinterface device.

In still another embodiment, a patient interface device is provided thatincludes a frame, a cushion coupled to a first side of an annularportion of the frame, and a collapsible faceplate having a first sidecoupled to a second side of the annular portion of the frame oppositethe first side of the annular portion of the frame, wherein a secondside of the collapsible faceplate is structured to be fluidly coupled toa fluid coupling connector, and wherein the collapsible faceplate isstructured to be collapsed and received within a chamber defined by aninterior of the cushion and the annular portion responsive to a forcebeing applied to the collapsible faceplate. The patient interface deviceof this embodiment may be offered and provided to a patient separatelyfrom any particular gas delivery hose or hose assembly.

These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the presentinvention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of therelated elements of structure and the combination of parts and economiesof manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only andare not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a portable patient interface systemaccording to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention in anexpanded, operating position;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view and FIG. 3 is a front isometric viewof the portable patient interface system of FIG. 1 in a collapsed,storage position;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a collapsible hose assembly forming part ofthe portable patient interface system of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a portion of acollapsible hose forming part of the collapsible hose assembly of FIG.4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As usedherein, the statement that two or more parts or components are “coupled”shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directlyor indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts orcomponents, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directly coupled”means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As usedherein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components arecoupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientationrelative to each other.

As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component is created as asingle piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that arecreated separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a“unitary” component or body. As employed herein, the statement that twoor more parts or components “engage” one another shall mean that theparts exert a force against one another either directly or through oneor more intermediate parts or components. As employed herein, the term“number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., aplurality).

Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example and withoutlimitation, top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, front, back, andderivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown inthe drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expresslyrecited therein.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a portable patient interface system2 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 1, portable patient interface system 2 is in an expanded, operatingposition wherein it can be used by a patient to provide, for example,pressure support therapy. FIG. 2 is a side elevational view and FIG. 3is a front isometric view of portable patient interface system 2 in acollapsed position. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the collapsed position,the size and profile of the portable patient interface system 2 has beengreatly reduced and each of the component thereof has been securedagainst unwanted movement, which makes for easier and more convenientstorage, packing and/or transport of patient interface system 2.

Portable patient interface system 2 includes a collapsible patientinterface device 4 that is operatively coupled to collapsible hoseassembly 6. Collapsible hose assembly 6 is structured to be selectivelycoupled to a gas output 8 of a suitable pressure generating device thatis structured to generate a flow of breathing gas for delivery to thepatient. Such a pressure generating device may include, withoutlimitation, ventilators, constant pressure support devices (such as acontinuous positive airway pressure device, or CPAP device), variablepressure devices (e.g., BiPAP®, Bi-Flex®, or C-Flex™ devicesmanufactured and distributed by Philips Respironics of Murrysville,Pa.), and auto-titration pressure support devices. Collapsible hoseassembly 6 is structured to communicate the flow of breathing gas outputfrom gas outlet 8 to patient interface device 4.

Patient interface device 4 includes a mask 10 that is fluidly coupled toan elbow conduit 12. Elbow conduit 12 is structured to be coupled tocollapsible hose assembly 6 which, as described above, is able to beselectively coupled to a pressure generating device. In the illustratedembodiment, mask 10 is a nasal mask. However, other types of masks, suchas a nasal/oral mask or a full face mask, which facilitate the deliveryof a flow of breathing gas to the airway of a patient may be used asmask 10 while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

Mask 10 includes a sealing cushion 14, a frame 16 and a collapsiblefaceplate 18. Frame 16 is made of a rigid or semi-rigid material, suchas, without limitation, plastic, and, in the exemplary embodiment, isgenerally flat and has a slim profile. In one non-limiting particularembodiment, frame 16 is made of a rigid plastic and has across-sectional thickness of about 1.2 to 2.5 mm.

Both sealing cushion 14 and collapsible faceplate 18 are made of a soft,flexible, elastomeric material, such as, without limitation, siliconerubber, an appropriately soft thermoplastic elastomer, or anycombination of such materials. The side of sealing cushion 14 opposite asealing surface 20 of sealing cushion 14 is coupled to a rear side of anannular portion 22 of frame 16. As used herein, the term “annular” shallmean having the form of a circular or non-circular ring defining anenclosed area. As seen in FIG. 3, in the illustrated embodiment, annularportion 22 of frame 16 has a generally triangular shape. A first end 24of collapsible faceplate 18 is coupled to a front side of annularportion 22 of frame 16. In the exemplary embodiment, sealing cushion 14and collapsible faceplate 18 are over-molded onto frame 16 from the samematerial. In addition, a second end 26 of collapsible faceplate 18 iscoupled to a first end 28 of elbow conduit 12. Sealing cushion 14,collapsible faceplate 18 and elbow conduit 12 are in fluid communicationwith one another.

As shown in FIG. 2, collapsible faceplate 18 is structured to be able tobe collapsed and received within a chamber defined by the interior ofsealing cushion 14 and annular portion 22 of frame 16 in response to aforce being applied to collapsible faceplate 18 generally in thedirection of the arrow shown in FIG. 2 (in the exemplary embodiment, atleast a portion of collapsible faceplate 18 will pass through annularportion 22 and into interior of sealing cushion 14 when collapsed). Inaddition, in the exemplary embodiment, in this collapsed position, atleast a portion of first end 28 of elbow conduit 12 will be receivedwithin the chamber defined by the interior of sealing cushion 14 andannular portion 22.

In the illustrated embodiment, collapsible faceplate 18 has a two-tieredstructure including a first tier 30 that is coupled to the front side ofannular portion 22 and a second tier 32 that is coupled to first end 28of elbow conduit 12. First tier 30 and second tier 32 are coupled to oneanother in a manner wherein second tier 32 is structured to collapsewithin the outer boundary of first tier 30 when collapsible faceplate 18is caused to collapse. In the exemplary embodiment, first tier 30 andsecond tier 32 are coupled to one another by a transition portion 34(FIG. 3) that includes a pleat (fold) or local thin section to encouragesecond tier 32 to roll inside first tier 30 (second tier 32 will rollinside out and rest on first tier 30). In addition, collapsiblefaceplate 18 may include more than two tiers. If there are more than twotiers, beginning with the inner-most tier, each will collapse and rollinside and/or on top of the adjacent tier.

In addition, frame 16 includes a pair of connecting members 36 extendingfrom opposites side of annular portion 22, wherein each connectingmember 36 includes a loop 38 which is structured to receive a respectivelower headgear strap of a headgear assembly (not shown) for securingpatient interface device 4 to the head of the patient. Frame 16 furtherincludes forehead support 40 attached to extension member 42 extendingfrom annular portion 22. Forehead support 40 includes forehead cushion44 that is coupled to support frame 46. Forehead cushion 44 is made of asoft, flexible, elastomeric material, such as, without limitation,silicone rubber, an appropriately soft thermoplastic elastomer, or anycombination of such materials, and, in the exemplary embodiment, isover-molded onto support frame 46. Forehead support 40 is structured toprovide additional support for patient interface device 4 by engagingthe forehead of the patient. Support frame 46 includes loops 48 providedat opposite ends thereof. Each loop 48 is structured to receive arespective upper headgear strap of a headgear assembly (not shown) forsecuring patient interface device 4 to the head of the patient. Inaddition, a pair of tabs 50 extend from a front side of support frame46, and are structured to hold collapsible hose assembly 6 (described ingreater detail) herein when patient interface device 4 is in thecollapsed, storage position.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 4 (which is a top plan view of collapsible hoseassembly 6), collapsible hose assembly 6 includes a first tube portion52, a second tube portion 54 and a collapsible hose 56. First tubeportion 52 includes a female fitting 58 at a first end thereof, and aninternal threaded portion 60 at a second end thereof opposite the firstend (the remainder of first tube portion 52 being hollow). As seen inFIGS. 1-3, female fitting 58 receives and sealingly engages second end74 of elbow conduit 12. Second tube portion 54 includes threaded portion62 extending from a first end thereof, and female fitting 64 at a secondend thereof opposite the first end (the remainder of second tube portion54 being hollow). In the exemplary embodiment, female fittings 58 and 64are each a 22 mm female fitting, although other sizes may also be used.

Collapsible hose 56 includes first end 66 that is coupled to femalefitting 58 and second end 68 that is coupled to female fitting 64.Collapsible hose 56 is structured to be able to be longitudinallycollapsed so that it can go from a maximum length, e.g., six feet, tosome small fraction of the maximum length, e.g., four to six inches.Referring to FIG. 5, which is a top plan view of a portion ofcollapsible hose 56 according to one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment,collapsible hose 56 includes a longitudinally collapsible helix portion70 surrounded by a flexible outer skin portion 72. In the exemplaryembodiment, helix portion 70 is made of a highly pliable material, suchas, without limitation, a metal wire coated with a thin layer of elasticmaterial (mainly for protection), such as, without limitation,metallocene, polypropylene, EVA, Hytrel™ or some other TPE. Also in theexemplary embodiment, outer skin portion 72 is made of an elasticmaterial such as, without limitation, metallocene, polypropylene, EVA,Hytrel™ or some other TPE, and is air-tight,

FIG. 1 shows collapsible hose assembly 6 in its expanded state for whenpatient interface system 2 is to be used by the patient. Morespecifically, in the expanded state, first tube portion 52 and secondtube portion 54 are separated from one another and collapsible hose 56is allowed to expand to up to it maximum length. In this state, femalefitting 64 is able to receive and sealingly engage gas outlet 8 of apressure generating device so that breathing gas can be delivered to theairway of the patient through collapsible hose assembly 6 and patientinterface device 4. FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show collapsible hose assembly 6 inits collapsed state for when patient interface system 2 is to be stored,packed and/or transported. In the collapsed state, collapsible hose 56is collapsed within the hollow interior of first tube portion 52 andsecond tube portion 54, and first tube portion 52 and second tubeportion 54 are coupled to one another through threaded engagementbetween internal threaded portion 60 and threaded portion 62. Secondtube portion 54 may then be inserted and held between tabs 50 until thenext time collapsible hose assembly 6 is need to be expanded. Otherinterlock mechanisms may be used instead of the threaded engagement justdescribed. For example, the interlock may be a friction fit betweenfirst tube portion 52 and second tube portion 54, a mechanical lockbetween the two tube portions, or any push-and-turn locking mechanism.In addition other attaching/locking mechanisms can be provided for tabs50. In addition, this locking mechanism or tabs 50 can be configured soas to secure the first and/or second tube portion to the mask frameand/or forehead support.

Thus, portable patient interface system 2 provides an interface systemthat may be used with non-invasive ventilation and pressure supportsystems that can be selectively placed in either a collapsed positionhaving a small size and profile that facilitates storage, packing and/ortransport of the interface system or an expanded, operating positionwherein the interface system can be used to effectively provide therapy.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall notbe construed as limiting the claim. The word “comprising” or “including”does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than thoselisted in a claim. In a device claim enumerating several means, severalof these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. Theword “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of aplurality of such elements. In any device claim enumerating severalmeans, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same itemof hardware. The mere fact that certain elements are recited in mutuallydifferent dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannotbe used in combination.

Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose ofillustration based on what is currently considered to be the mostpractical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that suchdetail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limitedto the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to covermodifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit andscope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood thatthe present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one ormore features of any embodiment can be combined with one or morefeatures of any other embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hose assembly for a patient interface device,comprising: a longitudinally collapsible hose; a first tube portioncoupled to the longitudinally collapsible hose; and a second tubeportion coupled to the longitudinally collapsible hose, wherein thefirst tube portion and the second tube portion are selectivelyconnectable to one another, and wherein the longitudinally collapsiblehose, when collapsed, is structured to be held within the first tubeportion and the second tube portion.
 2. The hose assembly according toclaim 1, further comprising an interlock mechanism provided as part ofthe first tube portion and the second tube portion, the interlockmechanism being structured to enable the first tube portion and thesecond tube portion to be selectively connectable to one another.
 3. Thehose assembly according to claim 2, wherein the interlock mechanismcomprises a first threaded portion provided at a first end at the firsttube portion and a second threaded portion provided at a first end ofthe second tube position, and wherein the first tube portion and thesecond tube portion are selectively connectable to one another throughengagement between the first threaded portion and the second threadedportion.
 4. The hose assembly according to claim 1, wherein the firsttube portion has a first connector at a first end thereof and the secondtube portion has a second connector at a first end thereof, wherein afirst end of the collapsible hose is coupled to the first connector anda second end of the collapsible hose is coupled to the second connector.5. The hose assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first connectoris structured to be selectively coupled to a coupling connector of thepatient interface device and wherein the second connector is structuredto be selectively coupled to a gas outlet of a pressure generatingdevice.
 6. The hose assembly according to claim 1, wherein thelongitudinally collapsible hose includes a longitudinally collapsiblehelix portion surrounded by a flexible outer skin portion.
 7. The hoseassembly according to claim 6, wherein the helix portion comprises ahelically shaped metal wire coated with an elastic material.
 8. Apatient interface device, comprising: a frame; a cushion coupled to afirst side of an annular portion of the frame; and a collapsiblefaceplate having a first side coupled to a second side of the annularportion of the frame opposite the first side of the annular portion ofthe frame, wherein a second side of the collapsible faceplate isstructured to be fluidly coupled to a fluid coupling connector, andwherein the collapsible faceplate is structured to be collapsed andreceived within a chamber defined by an interior of the cushion and theannular portion responsive to a force being applied to the collapsiblefaceplate.
 9. The patient interface device according to claim 8, whereinthe frame is made of a rigid or semi-rigid material and the cushion andthe collapsible faceplate are made of an elastomeric material.
 10. Thepatient interface device according to claim 9, wherein the collapsiblefaceplate includes a first tier coupled to the annular portion andsecond tier coupled to the first tier, wherein the second tier isstructured to collapse within an outer boundary of the first tier whenthe collapsible faceplate is caused to collapse.